Betsy Finnell

Born in Detroit on April 22, 1920, she was raised in West Lafayette, Ind. While attending Purdue University, she met her husband, Joseph C. Finnell, and they were married for more than 62 years. After living 25 years in the Detroit area, they moved to Petoskey in 1965 where they lived on Oden Island and Crooked Lake until last fall, when they moved closer to Petoskey.

Betsy lived a very active life, one that is an inspiration to all who knew her. Many may remember her from earlier years in Petoskey and Harbor Springs on the golf course, boating in local waters or from her many years serving as a volunteer for the humane society.

At age 68, Betsy pursued her last passion as owner and proprietor of Chico's North in Petoskey's Gaslight District. For the last 13 years, she had graced the floor of the store almost daily right up until her final weeks.

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Betsy is survived by her husband, Joe; her children, Joe Jr. and his wife, Nancy, and grandson, Stephen, of Warren, Mich., Philip and his wife, Melanie, from Sanibel, Fla., and Jane Finnell and children, Cari and Nic Ulrich, of Fairbanks, Alaska.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Little Traverse Bay Humane Society or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.